"Certain restrictions imposed on free movement of people and commodities through LoC have deprived the region of the vast potential of economic activities that could have changed the socio-economic conditions of the people," Sayeed said, addressing a public meeting at Gool area here.

"I hope that the Home Secretaries of India and Pakistan in their scheduled meeting on May 24 and 25 would take some bold steps to ensure hassle-free cross LoC trade and travel," he said.

"Opening of cross LoC trade, which was the most significant and historic confidence building measure between the two countries, needs to be further facilitated in the larger interest of the peace and prosperity in this region," he added.

Sayeed also stressed on the need for credible banking facilities and proper communication system to "harness the full potential of the trans-LoC trade".

Stating that his party was determined to accelerate the peace process between India and Pakistan, the PDP patron said that Kashmir should be used as a bridge between the two neighbouring nations to normalise relations.

"Good bilateral ties between India and Pakistan is in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. MORE